The ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Premiere Was Evacuated Because Of A Gun Threat

Attendees at the #NewYork premiere of #Lifetime’s upcoming docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly” were evacuated tonight after a gun threat was called in at the venue.

The premiere was being held at NeueHouse Madison Square and featured special guests including a few of his accusers and #MeToo founder #TaranaBurke as well as cultural critic Jamilah Lemieux, according to @HollywoodReporter.

“As a precaution, we evacuated,” a Lifetime representative told The Hollywood Reporter. The premiere has been called off and Lifetime officials say they will regroup tomorrow to discuss potentially rescheduling. “Tonight’s all about the safety of everyone — we’re not even thinking of what to do next yet,” the representative added.

The caller was anonymous, but the call originated from Chicago, Lifetime said. The New York Police Department could not immediately confirm they had anyone on the scene to investigate and there were no reports of injuries.

Twitter users tweeted from the scene on Tuesday, with one post showing guests in formal wear standing out on the sidewalk in front of the venue. Some of his accusers who were there and had to evacuate are Kitti Jones, Jerhonda Pace, Lisa Van Allen, Asante McGee and Lizzette Martinez.

Over the past several years, prior to and in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, R. Kelly has been under scrutiny after being accused of sexual coercion, violence and running a “sex cult. This has led to a #MuteRKelly movement on social media.

In the aftermath, Spotify removed Kelly from Spotify playlists and algorithm recommendations and several of his tour dates were canceled. In April, Time’s Up called for an official investigation of claims against Kelly.

Lifetime’s three-part series gathers accusers of the artist and individuals from his “inner circle,” according to Lifetime, to detail alleged physical, emotional and mental abuse by the artist.

Help & Information

More on Shade Room

By using our online services, you expressly consent to our Terms and the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of your information relating to you including personal information as described in this Privacy Policy..